Ferrari remains inimitable

“Life is always full of lots of surprises but the important thing is to keep learning.”

These were the words with which Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo opened his traditional Paris Motor Show meeting with journalists which was also attended by Prancing Horse CEO Amedeo Felisa and FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne. Montezemolo then turned to the brand-new 458 Speciale A, emphasising that it is the most high-performance spider in Ferrari history, combines leading-edge technology with meticulous artisanal attention to detail and is a limited edition special series of just 499. He also spoke about a year that will prove “unprecedented” in terms of financial performance, thanks to a trading profit of 400 million euro and a net financial position of 1.5 billion. There were, of course, questions on the Formula 1 front, most specifically on relations with Alonso, to which Mr Montezemolo responded: “Fernando is an incredibly strong driver who has given a huge amount to Ferrari in recent years. I have spoken with the Team Principal Marco Mattiacci and told him to discuss things with him. I feel it is important that Ferrari and Alonso talk to confirm their mutual respect and friendship.” Sticking with the subject of Formula 1, Montezemolo continued: “I have heard talk of a third car being introduced because two or three teams might be forced to quit. I’ve been pushing the whole third car idea for years now. Even if the sport opts for this solution out of a sense of urgency rather than because it was actually planned, I would still find it a positive development.” When asked how he imagines Ferrari in five years’ time, Montezemolo answered: “I imagine Ferrari will be different, just as the Ferrari of today is different from the Ferrari of five or 10 years ago. But I am sure that it will still have the characteristics that make it unique in its DNA.” At the end of the meeting, Montezemolo said a personal goodbye to each of the journalists individually, and posed for photographs with many of them also.

Ferrari N.V. - Holding company - A company under Dutch law, having its official seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and its corporate address at Via Abetone Inferiore No. 4, I-41053 Maranello (MO), Italy, registered with the Dutch trade register under number 64060977